What genus contains the spiders commonly called peacock spiders? Maratus. Maratus is a genus of small Australian jumping spiders whose males are famous for colorful, often iridescent abdominal patterns. During courtship, a male raises and waves his abdomen, sometimes spreading side flaps or fringes, while combining visual movements with vibrations sent through the surface.
The peacock comparison refers to display, not ancestry: these spiders are salticids, related to jumping spiders generally, and the showy colors are mainly a male trait. Females are usually more cryptically colored, which helps them avoid predators while they assess potential mates. Most Maratus species are only about 4–5 millimeters long.
The genus was established in 1878 by Ferdinand Karsch, based on a specimen from Australia. Its classification expanded greatly in the 21st century as new species were discovered and described. Some related peacock spiders have since been placed in Saratus, so “peacock spider” can be broader than Maratus in casual usage, but Maratus is the canonical genus answer to this question.
A famous naming misconception concerns Maratus volans: its name means “flying,” but these spiders cannot fly. Their abdominal flaps are used in courtship or, in at least one species, ritualized contests between males.